What is a Medical Assistant?

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What is a Medical Assistant?

Ask yourself what you imagine a Medical Assistant does. You will be surprised how many people get it wrong. If you expect medical assistant schooling to prepare you for changing bed pans or carrying out menial administrative tasks, your impression of this role doesn’t go deep enough.  The Clinical Medical Assistant is a true chameleon of the healthcare industry. As a group, Medical Assistants demonstrate a range of talents that involve clinical as well as administrative tasks.

Medical Assistants Wear Many Hats

Medical assistant education requirements do not mention the need to be adaptable, but this is an important asset. MAs play many different roles in their jobs. They may be required to discuss medical records with a doctor one moment, and then draw blood from a nervous patient the next moment. The language used for each of these encounters is very different – one is academic, the other emotional. A medical assistant knows that it’s just as important to care for a patient while blood samples are being taken as it is to be responsible for medical records and files. Busy and varied, this is an enthusiastic role that requires flexibility and commitment. MAs have these qualities in spades.

Medical Assistants play a vital role in their team

A doctor needs a Medical Administrative assistant like a hamburger needs fries. Medical assistant classes prepare MA’s for being one of the first faces a patient might see when arriving at a hospital or physician’s office.  The MA is responsible for checking the patient’s vital signs and preparing them for what happens next.  Equally, a doctor is reliant on the information provided by the MA. The MA’s assistance in preparing the patient or clinic is essential for the doctor to be able to start work.  In other occupations, you’ll see company directors who rely on their personal assistants to help make or break a deal, or professional athletes who count on their trainers to help them stay in the best shape possible. These types of professional duos take joint credit for their success stories. For healthcare professionals, the outcome can be life or death. Within the hospital or clinic, both roles are crucial for delivering seamless healthcare to patients.

They Have Hidden Talents on and Offline

MA’s certainly don’t need to be computer geniuses, but there is no shortage of opportunities to utilize their tech skills.  Now that patient records are electronic, healthcare workers are constantly brushing up on their IT knowledge as they go about their everyday work. Workers in medical assistant jobs use computers for all kinds of routine tasks such as scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, or dealing with insurance companies. The use of technology means records are more accurate and the person using it saves a heap of time. In the past, manual entry of patient records was laborious and would slow down the process. Today with the use of electronic medical records, the process is much more streamlined.

Some MA’s relish the use of technology to make work processes faster or more efficient, while others only use computerized systems and tools as required. Much of this kind of training can happen on the job. Using digital equipment becomes another part of the day-to-day activity, like complying with security measures or health and safety regulations. Becoming a medical assistant can mean being as much a part of a digital world as it does to deliver face-to-face, practical, and hands-on assistance.

MA’s Are Everywhere!

Medical assistant programs prepare you for the role, but the job itself can be based anywhere. This is one of the most attractive features of working as an MA. Medical assistants can work in hospitals, a doctor’s office, or in a variety of other healthcare centers. Throughout a career, it’s possible to try out different settings to find out which is the most enjoyable or challenging for you. Being able to move around easily can help with relocation issues or other practical considerations as well.  Working in a large or busy hospital will offer a very different experience from working in a small family practice. For instance, in a hospital, the staff will interact with many different people at all levels and from various walks of life. Working closely with the same group of people at a small doctor’s office lets you get to know your colleagues and patients better.  Which setting is more appropriate will depend on the individual.  Medical assistant courses and networking along the way will help to provide a taste of what each place might have in store, but freedom to choose is a powerful motivator for job seekers.

Medical Assistants Have Options

MA’s will reach many forks in the road. Often, they can take the opportunity to specialize in areas they are passionate about. This may be a lifelong passion or a growing interest during the advancement of a medical career. When certified medical assistant training is over, they may be inspired by a colleague, an establishment, or general advancements in healthcare. If they begin to suspect they’re not yet in the right role, MA’s can specialize in several different areas. Those who enjoy interaction with patients can move into patient care. For some individuals, clinical duties are more inspiring than clerical duties, but others may prefer keeping medical records or managing billing information.  For more hands-on assistants who are fascinated by drawing blood and visiting the lab, phlebotomy is a common choice.

They Set Their Schedule

Medical assistant schools welcome students from all backgrounds, which makes this a popular career choice. You will be amazed at how diverse the range of motivations that lead students to train for this career. Some students might be working towards a medical assistant certificate around full-time work, family, or another study. A young adult may have wanted to work in healthcare for as long as they can remember – this is the first step in that process. A recent high school graduate could be training alongside a seasoned office worker who wants a completely new career.  The beauty of the Allen School of Health Sciences is that there are courses that run both during the daytime and during the evening to accommodate every situation.

How long is medical assistant training?

Medical assistant training does not take as long as you might think. The Allen School’s accelerated program will take less than a year to complete. Anyone in a medical assistant training program is working towards their dream job, so you know these students are determined to get that job.

How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant

With so many MA’s working in such a variety of positions, it’s easy to forget they must all begin with the basics. Training covers a variety of things such as hospital admissions, updating records, using lab services, drawing blood, and monitoring EKG machines.

Interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a medical assistant? Ready to start a Medical Assistant Program? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Article updated April 5, 2024

As Summer ends, why not START your new career?

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As Summer ends, why not START your new career?                                                                                                   

It has been an excessively hot summer for us all, and we hope you have all been using this time to sit indoors in the comfort of your air conditioners and reflect on your career, family, and life in general.

Summer is a time where career seekers tend to re-evaluate their careers and take action in beginning the fall and holiday season with a great job. If that is your goal, now is the time to get moving.

We keep hearing that the economy is bad and that there are no jobs out there. Now is not the time to look passively. You have to turn your search up a notch and really go after the jobs you want. Ask yourself the following:

Am I ready to go to an interview at a moment’s?

You should always have your interview outfit ready to go, just in case you get that last minute call for an interview. Your interview attire should be clean, ironed, under-stated, professional, and fit you well. Try to stick to conservative colors, and keep jewelry and accessories at a minimum. You do not want your clothes to take all the attention from you.

Do I have a compelling and targeted resume that truly markets my knowledge, skills, and abilities?

It is important to note that you will not be successful with using one generic resume for every job you apply for. Your resume has to be tailored to each position you apply for in order for it to get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.

Do I need to have a cover letter?

A well-written cover letter should always accompany your resume. Your cover letter is an introduction to your resume, and it sends a clear message that you care and really want the job.

Are my interview skills strong enough to take me to the next level?

It is imperative that you go to an interview ready for whatever the interviewer presents. This means that you must do your research on the company in advance. Also, you must be ready to clearly and articulately sell yourself. Don’t get caught unprepared. Start pulling your career branding TODAY. Apply to as many jobs that fit your criteria, as there is power in numbers. The more positions you apply for, the higher the probability for you to get interviews. Do you need some assistance with your interview skills and career advice in the medical field? We can help! The Allen School career services department can assist you on what questions to expect and ask in a medical assistant interview. The effort you put in before going on an interview will increase your chances of landing your dream job. Contact the Allen School today!

We are enrolling now for our Fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Going back to school as a working adult?

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Going back to school as a working adult?

A growing number of career and vocational training schools now offer programs oriented toward working adults. People frequently enroll in career schools to acquire new skills for a new career. Accelerated programs and flexible schedules are making it easier and more convenient for working adults to finish school. Enrolling in a career school is a great way to make a career transition, learn new skills, study subjects of personal interest, and enhance marketability in a competitive job market. Unfortunately, many would be students who desire to position themselves for a career change or return to school do not do so because of fear.

The First Step is Admitting It

The following concerns and fears are shared by many working adults reluctant to return to school: Working adults are concerned about the cost of returning to school, the time commitment involved, and the challenges of attending classes with younger students. Many are also concerned that their employers will be unimpressed with their new career. However, most working adults enrolling in career school end up fitting in well and are more than up to the challenge of returning to school as an adult. They usually enroll with fear and concern, only to later realize that their fear and concerned were unfounded.

I’m Afraid It Will Be Too Expensive

It can be expensive returning to school. The expense alone is enough to cause many working adults to reconsider their decision to return to school. However, when education is viewed as an investment, the costs of attending school does not seem as large of a sacrifice. It’s best to have a long term rather than short term perspective. Salary increases associated with obtaining more education often offset the cost of returning to school. Many schools are relatively inexpensive to attend. Before deciding against returning to school base on the cost, consider how earning your degree or getting advanced training will help you in your current or new career.  Also consider what your school can do to help offset tuition.  Do they offer Financial Aid to those who qualify?  Payment plans?

I’m Afraid It Will Take Up Too Much Time

It’s not unreasonable for adult students to feel overwhelmed with their current responsibilities. As a result, returning to school can be that much more intimidating. Working full-time, raising a family, and fulfilling other responsibilities are enough to occupy already full schedules.

However, it’s possible to make time to return to school–and many adults do it quite successfully. It may require sacrificing time spent enjoying leisurely activities, but it is possible to make the time. If you set a goal and have unwavering commitment to reach it, you can develop the ability to make sacrifices that will allow you to accomplish your educational objectives.

I’m Afraid It Will Take Forever to Complete My Program

The Allen School offers accelerated learning programs. As a result, these programs require less time than would be required if one pursued their degree the traditional way. Our modules are 5 weeks long, and educational quality is not sacrificed to speed through course material. Students can graduate their program in as little as 9 months.

Why Make the Move?

Since many career schools cater exclusively to working students, there are few, if any, reasons why an adult should hesitate returning to school if they feel it makes sense. They can greatly benefit from the decision to further their education. The following are just a few of the many benefits of returning to school as an adult:

  • Promotion or career advancement opportunities: Returning to school is one way to improve your chances to get promoted, or it is one strategy for beginning a career transition.
  • Finish a started program: Many students find opportunities in the workforce before completing school. However, it is never too late to return and start a new career.
  • Demonstrate to your children and future generations the importance of education: If you set an example for your children, they are more than likely to attend school and enjoy the benefits of a career can offer.

It may seem intimidating and daunting to enroll in school, but this should not be a reason for missing out on the benefits of acquiring more education. Adults who simply put together a good, workable plan can smoothly make the transition back to school and make the experience a great success. Ready to start a Medical Assistant Program? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Medical field careers

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Is the Medical field an exciting career?

Figuring out what type of career you want to pursue is not an easy decision. It’s important to take a lot of things into consideration. If you’re thinking about a career in the medical field, you should consider the advantages it offers. Consider some of the awesome things about working in the medical field.

You’ll Be in Demand

Certain jobs in the medical field, such as Medical Assistants and Home Health Aides and nurses, are in high demand in different parts of the country. It’s nice to know when you graduate; you have a strong job market to go into.

Stability

The world may change but there will likely always be medical jobs. Unfortunately, for the foreseeable future, there will continue to be illness and disease, which means there is a need for healthcare professionals. In addition, a change in the economy does not affect medical jobs the same way it affects other fields.

Meeting Interesting People

Many jobs in the medical field, such as Medical Assistants, Therapists, and Nurses involve patient care. As a healthcare professional, you’ll have the chance to meet all types of people in various situations. If you’re a people person, a healthcare career might be for you!

Make an Impact

If you’re looking for a job where you can help people and make an impact, healthcare is a good choice. From helping bring a baby into the world to treating patients, medical workers make a difference every day.

Think you might have what it takes, but afraid to ask? Take part in one of our career planning sessions and discover the many healthcare pathways available to you. Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family.

Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Medical Assistant Qualities

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Medical Assistant Qualities

Medical assistants perform many important tasks in the course of their day-to-day work, including recording medical histories, measuring vital signs, giving injections, preparing blood for laboratory study, helping physicians with physical examinations and scheduling patient appointments. Depending upon the specialty, they might have other responsibilities as well.

Important traits of a medical assistant

In order to do well in this fast-paced position, applicants must have certain important characteristics that ensure they can keep up with the steady workload, respect the privacy concerns of patients and display a firm grasp of the many responsibilities the job entails. If you have the following qualities of a good medical assistant, you might find that this job is a perfect fit for you.

Grace under pressure. Work in a physician’s office can be fast-paced, with numerous patients waiting to be seen, many calls to make, lab results to check, and other responsibilities that keep you running. This job requires the kind of person who is cool under stress, who can handle a serious workload, and can change quickly as the situation dictates.

Attention to detail. In any medical profession, serious attention to detail is very important — in fact, it could mean the difference between a healthy patient and a bad outcome. Every little detail matters; this fact cannot be stressed enough. If you are the type who makes sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed, being a medical assistant could be the right fit.

Excellent problem-solving skills. Critical thinking is absolutely necessary when dealing with patients, physicians, other office staff, and the day-to-day work that requires you to figure things out quickly. It might be as simple as ordering the proper amount of supplies, or it might be as complex as figuring out what is wrong with a patient — why are their vital signs off the chart? The more analytical you are, the better you might do in this position.

Independence. Physicians are busy. They don’t have time to hold your hand. That means that you must be able to see what needs to be done and do it, without having to wait for permission or instruction. Independence in this role means that you are ready to step up and do your job without asking a lot of questions, and you can take charge in a situation where a leader is needed.

Good communication. Since you will be in regular contact with patients and a variety of health care professionals, being able to get your point across clearly and quickly makes a big difference in how smoothly things go for everyone. Excellent communication skills are an absolute must when you work in a job that requires you to be in contact with a wide variety of individuals with very different needs.

Thinking on your feet. Things move fast in the medical world, and sometimes you must be ready to make changes at a moment’s notice. This is especially true when you are dealing with patients who might be very sick. Thinking clearly and being able to make changes in mid-stride means that you can handle the challenges of those who are very ill.

Social savvy. As a medical assistant, you are part of a team that works with patients — and with each other. Just as with any other job, sometimes personalities rub the wrong way and people just don’t get along. It is very important to recognize social issues in the office setting, adjust as best you can, and head off problems before they become bigger.

Integrity. Medical assistants are constantly working with patients and their medical histories, and sometimes those histories can contain sensitive information. It is vitally important to be honest and trustworthy in every aspect of your job, but especially when handling privacy concerns. Be an upstanding person of impeccable integrity, and others will notice and respect that.

Compassion and empathy. As a medical assistant, you might work with patients who are going through a very difficult time. Sometimes, you might be right there with them when the doctor delivers bad news. At that life-changing moment, simply listening to them, holding their hand, and keeping your own emotions appropriate for the situation becomes the most important part of your job. In order to work as a medical assistant, you absolutely must have compassion and empathy for what someone else is going through.

Working as a medical assistant can be a very fulfilling job, and it might also open doors to other exciting opportunities in the health care field. Do you have the necessary medical assistant characteristics to do a great turn in this job? Do you think you have what it takes to become a medical assistant?  If so, contact the Allen School today! We are currently enrolling for our summer classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more about a rewarding career as a medical assistant.

-Allen School

Why a Medical Assisting Program May Be a Better Choice for You

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Why Medical Assisting May Be a Better Choice for You

If you’re searching for a healthcare career that goes beyond drawing blood, and where there’s greater job opportunity for fresh graduates, it’s worthwhile considering enrolling in a medical assisting training program. There is so much versatility in the skills of medical assisting,

Medical assistants check in and prepare patients for the doctor; take patient’s medical history; perform vitals and EKGs, administer injections; undertake suture removal and dressing changes; answer phones; schedule patient appointments; provide patient education and explanation of treatment procedures; and assist the doctor in office procedures.

Graduating from a medical assisting program that offers medical assisting, phlebotomy, and EKG certifications makes you a highly sought-after and competitive job candidate.

Unlike phlebotomy employers, hospitals and physicians’ offices seeking to hire medical assistants are usually open to hiring fresh medical assistant graduates with only their externship experience boosting their resume work history.

Which Healthcare Training Is Going to Provide You with the Career You Want?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical assisting occupation in 2016 consisted of 634,400 jobs nationally, much higher than for phlebotomists at 122,700 jobs. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the medical assistant job market having 29% growth, much faster than the average (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm). With this kind of job market, does training to become a medical assistant make more sense to you? If you’re considering a phlebotomy career because of the shortness of the course, realize a quicker healthcare training course doesn’t necessarily mean quicker healthcare employment. Other hiring factors are in play. As with any career, there’s no such thing as an overnight success. And often the more work you put into an endeavor, the greater the rewards (or outcome). Is it a good time to ask yourself: which healthcare training is going to provide you with the healthcare career you want? The choice is yours.

Do you think you have what it takes to become a medical assistant?  If so, contact the Allen School today! We are currently enrolling for our summer classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more about a rewarding career as a medical assistant.

-Allen School

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Medical Assistant Career Advancement Benefits

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Medical Assistant Career Advancement Benefits

Medical assisting is a solid career choice in a field expected to grow at an astounding 29 percent through 2026. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm. There should be no shortage of jobs for those looking to work in this career, but what do medical assistants have to gain by advancing their careers? There are several reasons, but the number one reason, not surprisingly is to increase earnings.

  • Higher Pay

As with most careers, the more advanced the work, the higher the pay. Medical Assistants who advance their career through specialized expertise, additional classes and more targeted training may be more likely to get that coveted pay raise.

  • Better Job Security

One of the woes of staying in an entry-level job while not increasing skills is that workers may be more likely to be downsized or replaced. But those who have made a point of advancing their career through greater knowledge and skills can become quite valuable to employers, who may then make a point of keeping them on the payroll.

  • Broader Skill Set

Learning new skills isn’t just about job security and higher pay – it’s about patient satisfaction, and that translates into recognition from employers and coworkers. That broader skill set can hold a medical assistant in good standing as they look into other careers in healthcare. For instance, someone who wants to be a nurse can learn a great deal of hands-on skills while working as a medical assistant.

  • More Prestige

Turning to specialized training to advance medical assistant careers can mean that in the end, the person who has the widest variety of training is more in-demand. The prestige that comes from being able to handle various patient populations can change an entry-level medical assistant into a must-hire advanced candidate.

  • Wider Career Options

Medical assistant careers aren’t limited to physician’s offices or hospitals. Those who have significant training in a particular field can move into more challenging careers, such as office management, or clinics that support a particular population or focus on a particular illness or medical issue.

Do you think you have what it takes to become a medical assistant?  If so, contact the Allen School today! We are currently enrolling for our summer classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family.  Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more about a rewarding career as a medical assistant.

-Allen School

Where Do Medical Assistants Work? 

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Public and private hospitals, the VA, clinics, retirement homes, specialty providers — the scope of the healthcare world can be overwhelming, but that’s exactly what makes it a viable industry in which to pursue a career. These facilities are staffed with far more than doctors and nurses. With countless professionals carrying out endless duties in the office and during medical procedures, it can be hard to determine exactly what role best matches your skills.

If you know you enjoy working directly with patients without spending eight years in college to become a licensed physician, then it’s possible you’ve thought about working as a Medical Assistant. Depending on what program you enroll in, you could begin making an impact in the healthcare field in less than one year. While you know Medical Assistant job duties match your abilities and passions, there’s still one concern on your mind: Where do Medical Assistants work?

The good news is that there are tons of places you could work. When you’ve completed your Medical Assistant courses, you can begin searching for an employer in the setting that feels best for you. Here are five environments you could find yourself working as a Medical Assistant:

  • Clinics — Easily the most common employers of Medical Assistants are health clinics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-3) about half of all Medical Assistants work in this sort of environment. For the most part, the duties at a clinic are usually predictable regarding hours and specific tasks. Many of these facilities have set hours of operation and are not as likely to be open on weekends or major holidays as some businesses might. But, of course, not all clinics function in the same way, and there’s truly no typical medical assistant day. Many clinics focus on specialties like optometry, podiatry, or neurology, while others address family practice and internal medicine.
  • Primary care facilities — Another common place medical assistant work is in hospitals and private practices. In these facilities, medical assistants help doctors, nurses, and other staff members with administrative and clinical tasks, which are numerous in these types of office settings. Given that doctors’ offices and urgent care clinics can be located almost anywhere in the U.S., and hospitals are just as easy to find, medical assistant jobs are available all over the nation. This will give you more mobility and flexibility in where you live and work since your abilities are needed everywhere.
  • Medical labs — All worthwhile medical assistant programs involve tutorials in collecting or processing lab specimens. This basic skill is required by many clinics before you can handle blood samples or other lab specimens, but another benefit is that this skill is beneficial for work as a lab assistant. Universities that conduct research studies rely on medical assistants to aid their faculty and scientists with the experiments conducted in the lab. Many corporations also carry out medical research and development, which presents additional hiring opportunities.
  • Chiropractors’ offices — Chiropractic offices often need to employ medical assistants since they essentially function like other types of medical practices. Even though their services are specialized, these offices create the need for administrative duties well suited for medical assistants. Any interest or history you have with chiropractic medicine could give you a distinct advantage over other applicants for this role.
  • Retirement communities — The aging Baby Boomer population is going to keep the need for medical assistants at nursing/retirement homes at an all-time high. Nursing homes and other senior care facilities often offer health care services as part of their amenities. Many retirement communities operate more like neighborhoods where senior citizens comfortably enjoy their golden years with medical care services close at hand.

Once you embark on your externship, you’ll have a tremendous opportunity to learn more about the places you’re qualified to work. And when you finish your medical assistant program it’s time to job hunt, you can find an opportunity in a hospital, clinic, or other office setting that’s ideal for you! At the Allen School of Health Sciences, we are committed to preparing our medical assistant students for employment as soon as they graduate.  This is the reason why externships are such a critical component of our curriculum. If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, you can earn your certificate in less than a year. We are enrolling now for our summer classes.  As always, we would love to hear from you! Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more about an exciting career as a medical assistant.

-Allen School of Health Services

Article updated April 4, 2024

Traits of a Medical Assistant

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Traits of a Medical Assistant 

If you are thinking of a career as a Medical Assistant, you could be on track to a rewarding career with great job prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Medical Assistants through 2022 is expected to be a whopping 29 percent growth rate, much faster than average compared to other jobs. But do you have what it takes to be a part of this rewarding profession? Here are the essential traits you’ll need:

1) Compassionate: Do you like to help others? A caring and compassionate nature is one of the most important qualities you’ll need as a medical assistant. When patients are sick, in pain or just scared about what’s happening to them, they really want a friendly face and caring attitude. Could this be you?

2) Good Communicator: Medical assistants often serve as a liaison between patients and other caregivers. You’ll need to be a good listener, so you know your patients’ concerns and a good communicator to relay that information to others. You may also need to translate what doctors and other health care providers are saying so patients really understand.

3) Ethical: Everything you see and do as a medical assistant may be protected under rules of patient confidentiality, so you really need to be able to keep a secret. Patients are sometimes at their most vulnerable when they come to see their doctor. They shouldn’t have to worry that something they say or do will be shared inappropriately.

4) Organization Skills: Whether you’re helping in the front office with patient appointments and insurance information or taking patient histories, you need to keep everything you do well-organized. Small mistakes can cause big problems and one of the best ways to avoid them is to stay organized!

5) Outgoing: You’ll need to interact confidently with a lot of different people throughout your day as a medical assistant. You may also want to speak up on behalf of patients who aren’t feeling well or aren’t able to speak for themselves. Medical assistants often serve as patient advocates and help them understand all that’s going on around them.

6) Adaptable: Healthcare environments are often fast-paced and quickly changing. You may need to assist several patients or just one at a time. And what may work well in one situation may not be as effective in another. Your ability to roll with the punches will help you help your patients!

 7) Team Player: The best of today’s healthcare systems is run like good teams where everyone has their job to do, but they all work together as a team. If you’re a true  team player, you’ll be able to follow directions, do your job well, and always place the needs of the patients first.

Are you thinking about a new career as a medical assistant?  If so, please contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our summer classes and cannot wait for you to become a part of the Allen School family.  Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Benefits of becoming a Medical Assistant

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Benefits of becoming a Medical Assistant

If you’re looking to start your career in the healthcare sector, why not consider a career as a medical assistant?  With quick training periods, competitive salaries, dependable job growth, and fast-paced working environments, medical assistant training is an excellent route for people who are fresh to healthcare or who already have hands-on experience.

1. Get into the Job Market Fast

Between an undergraduate degree, medical school, and residency, it can take surgeons more than 15 years to obtain their full licenses. On the other hand, most medical assistant courses take less than a year before you can work in a professional setting. While there are no formal requirements to work as a medical assistant, most employers prefer applicants who have attended and graduated from an accredited medical assistant program. Completing a certified medical assistant program is often a requirement to get hired.

2. This Is a Career That Makes a Difference

Well-trained and professional medical assistants make a huge difference in a patient’s hospital or clinic experience. From administering medicine to helping patients navigate insurance policies to preparing patients for examinations, many professional medical assistants find their work incredibly rewarding.  Medical assistants often mention their wide range of patient-facing responsibilities as a reason why they’re proud to be part of this field.

3. Training Options Are Flexible

Multiple options for medical assistant programs exist throughout the country.  In many cases you’ll be able to fit classes around your schedule. This offers many students the flexibility and opportunities to raise their family, hold a job, or attend extra classes while completing their medical assistant training.

4.  Learn with Exciting and Applicable Classes

Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who work between administration and treatment. During medical assistant training, students will study patient care, anatomy, sterilization techniques, and basic pharmacology.

5. There Isn’t One Standard Work Day

The medical assistant job description is so varied that it’s impossible for your shifts to be boring! Medical assistants are trained to perform a wide range of duties and are required to step in where they’re needed the most. On any day, you could be speaking with an insurance agency, drawing blood, managing the front desk or helping take patient’s vital signs. The job itself teaches you a valuable set of skills, including flexibility, analytical thinking, and the ability to work effectively within a team.

6. Different Working Environments

Some people like the fast pace of a surgical ward, general medical hospital, or trauma center. Others may prefer the quiet setting of a private physician’s office. Smaller practices tend to rely on their medical assistants to handle both administrative and clinical duties, while medical assistants at larger practices and hospitals tend to focus on one or the other. Outpatient care centers, community health clinics, dental practices, and assisted living facilities also require medical assistants to provide quality care. Whichever you choose, if you’re a desirable candidate, you’ll have the flexibility of choosing one that best fits your personality and needs. 

7. A Great Start into the Medical Industry

In the medical world, experimenting with different career paths is a high stakes game. Training as a nurse or a doctor takes incredible time and effort, and it is not unheard of for these medical professionals to later discover that their chosen field wasn’t the best fit. Why not start with a job that allows you to experience a wide range of aspects within healthcare? Medical assistants have an unbelievable vantage point which enables them to quickly learn whether patient care or medical administration is more their speed. Many go back to school to gain their nursing degrees or choose another specialty in the medical field.  If you are ready for more responsibility, many medical assistants move onto careers like sonography, nursing, and hospital management.

Think you might have what it takes, but are afraid to ask? Take part in one of our career planning sessions and discover the many healthcare paths available to you. Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our summer classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School